I’m beginning to think I’m the only one who remembers Steve Redgrave’s words after he won his rowing gold medal in 1992 with a young Matthew Pinsent: “Not bad for an old man and a never has been.”
Twelve years later, Matthew has announced that he won’t be trying emulate his former partner by winning a gold medal at five consecutive Olympics in Beijing in 2008 and will be concentrating on his other careers.
That’s a shame as Matthew is about the only person who could match that feat, but I suppose it also cements Steve’s (sorry — Sir Steve’s) unique position in UK sport. So good luck Matthew in whatever you choose to do. Having seen the training schedule, you’ve earned a rest.